Railway traffic controlling apparatus



April 26, 1938. c. w. GILBERT RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheec 1 Filed Jan. 3, 1936 Ll u n TMN N N R ww m mm l A M@ Y s .m ma m up@ j n j a 1E 1J J mm www @N S wm m? um? @mm1 wm EN @m @n @l @N .x w 1 w w WN III E @NN um www M, NN mm1 N ,1li www L .@uL www QN @S @EN mm NEN B V. NV ...Il NN wAlJwrm PNN @r April 26, 1938.

C. W. GILBERT RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ZE'H Z. i

2TH ZH 2 ZHP @15 U-i C ZF] ZHP 2Q d/ZHP 24 INVENTOR Chalmem' LUGz'lbePt.

BY/fdww HIS AT-roRNn-:Y

Patented Apr. 26, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLIN G APPARATUS Application January 3, 1936, Serial No. 57,357

9 Claims.

My invention relates to railway trac controlling apparatus, and particularly to railway signaling systems utilizi g signals each comprising a mechanism and a lamp.

One feature of my invention consists in improved and novel means for approach controlling the signal mechanisms and lamps, so that the mechanism and lamp for each signal are both normally deenergized and become energized when a train is approaching the signal with which such mechanism and lamp are associated. In signal systems of the type herein involved, it is customary to rely upon primary batteriesl located along the trackway as the source of energy for controlling and operating the signal mechanisms and for lighting the signal lamps. By my invention, a saving of the current output required from these batteries, which must be renewed from time to time, is accomplished. This results in a material reduction in the cost of maintenance.

I will describe several forms of apparatus embodying my invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one form of signaling system embodying my invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views illustrating modifications of portions of the system shown in Fig. 30 1, and each also embodying my invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of the several views.

In order to simplify the drawings, certain contacts are located at points not adjacent to the relays controlling the contacts. In each such instance, the reference character of the governing relay is placed just above the contact, and the contact is shown in a position corresponding to the normal condition of the relay. For example, the back contact 24 in the upper left-hand portion of Fig. 1 is governed by the approach lighting relay 2ER, and this contact is shown opened inasmuch as the relay is normally energized.

Referring rst to Fig. 1, the rails 4 and 5 of 4 a stretch of railway track over which traic normally moves in the direction indicated by the arrow are divided by insulated joints 6 into track sections IT, 2T and 3T. Each track section is provided with a trackcircuit including a source of current, such as a battery 'I, and a track relay designated by the reference character R with a prefix the same as the reference character for the associated track section.

Traic' movements over this stretch of railway track are governed by signals spaced along the stretch. Only signals 2 and 3 are shown in the drawings, but it is to be understood that there may also be similar signals in the rear of signal 2 and in advance of signal 3. These signals may be of any suitable type, and as here shown are searchlight signals, such for example, as described and claimed in United States Letters Patent No. 1,864,224, granted June 2l, 1932, to W. B. Wells, for Light signal. For the purpose of this application, it is deemed sufcient to but briefly describe these signals.

Signal 2, for example, includes a .rotor I2 mounted to oscillate, and controlled by a permanent magnet (not shown) and by an operating winding I3. Energization of operating winding I3 by current of a given polarity causes rotor I2 to be'rotated in a corresponding direction, moving the signal to the clear indication position; energization of operating winding I3 by current of the reverse polarity causes rotor I2 tov be rotated in the opposite direction to move the signal to the caution indication position; while deenergization of operating winding I3 permits rotor. I2 to be returned by gravity to a center position, which is the stop indication position.

Associated With rotor I 2 is a signal lamp 2E?. As pointed out in detail in the aforementioned patent, when rotor I2 is rotated to the clear position, a green colored lter is moved in front of lamp 2E, causing a green signal light to be displayed whenlamp 2E is lighted. When rotor I2 is rotated to the caution indication position, a yellow colored lter is moved in front of lamp 2E, so that, with lamp 2EI lighted, a yellow signal light is displayed. In like manner, the positioning of rotor I2 in the center position moves a red colored iilter in front of lamp 2E and a red signal light is then displayed Whenever lamp 2E is energized.

Rotor I 2 actuates a set of circuit controlling contacts in such a manner that the contact I4-I 5 is closed only in the clear position and the contact IG-Il is closed only in the caution position. The reference characters G and Y are placed adjacent the contacts, indicating that the contacts are closed in the clear and caution positions, respectively.

Each of the other signals, including signal 3, functions in a manner similar to that described for signal 2.

The source of energy for operating each signal mechanism and the relays associated with the control circuit for the same signal mechanism, and also for lighting the signal lamp for the next signal in advance, is a battery of proper 55 Y Voltage locatedY Arelays 2HP and ior'signal 3, and the reference Y at the next signal in advance. In the drawings, these batteries are not shown, the`two terminals for each battery being desighated byV the referenceV characters B and N withV a prefix the same asV the reierencecharacter of the signal at vwhich the batteryv is located. For, example, the reference character 3B designates the positive Vterminal of the'battery located at signal 3 for operating the mechanism fof signal 2 Vand 3ER, and for lighting the lamp character V."-lN- y designates. the'negative terminal of the same bat- Y with a prefix which is Vcharacter of the associated signal. HP also controls, Yin part, the .lighting circuitsAV Associated'with each signal is a pole changer relay designated by the reference character HP Vthe same ask the reference Vfor the Vassociated signal'.V Each relay HPis conthe sectionrirnrnefjr,v

-track relay for trolled by the Y associatedsignal.

diately'in advance of thel Each relayLHPfhas a'piclup circuit includingV Vstick circuit which' character forY the 1kay-passes Ythe resistorlA of its pickup circuit. Each resistor A reduces the current in fthevpickupfcircuit ior'the VVassociated y leasing. j ,ItV will'b'e relay AI-IP to such an extent thatthe relay HP is `liachrelay HP, upon picking up, becornes energized byits stick circuit which,

slow in picking up.

not includingthe resistor Aior onV account of Y over-energizes its relayV its relay`fHP,

VEach relay' la resistor designatedby the reference character Y A with a prefix whichis the same asthe'reierencejV associated signal, and has a HP, and

therefore causes its'relay Al-lPjto be slow in refY over a line circuit Vthrough Ya full-wave Arectifier noted that each relay Hlis controlled' i* ZHP., back contact I designated by thereerenceV character, Q with a '.fthereiore, are

VVcontrol circuits.;

VslowY release feature which is helped Yby snub- .through Vthe associated rectiersgthese relays do not vopen'their"iront Y,contactsY when the line circuits Yarepole-changed. This feature Y prex which is `thefsarnre as the ref-erencercharactor of the associated fsignal. Y

A always energized inthe' saine 'di`Y rection, regardless'rof the polarity vof Y.thexline DueY to Vthis Yloing circuits I The relays prevents'tumble-downY offthe signals in the rearY t 1 y `during* changes i j 507r contact 24 oi approach oi polarity ofthe line circuits;

Y Associated `'with .leach signal signal next in rear..

Each signal mechanism is is Yan' approachV f lightingl relay designated byfthereference Ycharacter ER Vwitha prefix which is'the saine ,asV the l i Y referencecharacter tof the V"associated signal. Y :Each ERrelay'isconnected inrseries 'with the, Hl? i1'felayior" theYV f controlled over the line circuit that Ycontrols` the associatedn poles,

changing relay Qperatinglrwinding I3', of' signal 2, for exam 'le,iscontrolled' over afcircvzuitY Qwhich, whenrelay SHP isen'ergi'zed, passes from .terminal 3B, throughvthe Winding lof approach Y lighting relay relay BHPfwire 2H, front contact 3ER., iront point vorfcontact`2I o 22 of track 5 relay Y ZTR; iront' contact "23 of relay 2H?, -baclYV ating Winding I3 of signal 2,'wireQ2C, and

lighting 'relay 2ER; oper;l Y,

4iront 1 .3i-IP iis deenergizedv the Ycircuit for nr` terrnlinajl 3B,

'Whenrelayv l v Y winding, I3 `of' signalaZ passes Vfr through the winding winding I 3,back; contact 24 Y 'contacteur reiayzrre, from' Contact 2z ,nf---ieiayV 2TH., wirej2H; andV b aclrirr point jof contact:2515err` Lmay enritoterminal 3151;, 1t winne sesn, tnere be energized by current lrelay. ZTR Vbecomes 2N; TheV second circuit passesV contact Iii of relay! t,

Y therefore, that whenthe me Yis infits 'clear or cautionposition,

iergized, so that become closed. l operatingswihding ',Ijoiwsignal 2 will be ener@ 1 iore, that when approach lighting relay 2ER becornes deenergizedso that its back contact 2Q is closed, operating winding I3 of signal 2 will other depending upon the condition of pole changing relay 3H?, provided, of course, that sectionT is unoccupied. It will be noted that pole changing relay ZI-IP is connected through the rectier: signal 2.

111; will also be noted that both signal 2 and relay ZI-IP are energized through resistor 2AV HP' Vrelay Y is lighting relay and the'pole'changing relay ior the, signalwith whichsuch lamp is associated, aswell as by contacts of the signal,Y For'example, lamp 2E is provided with three circuits; One circuit passes from terminal 2B, through the irontpoint-of Contact it Vof relay 2H?, back contact ,IIY of relay 2ER, clear contact Ill-I5 Yof Vsignal 2,

from terminal 2B, through the front pointo I'of relay 2ER,'cauticn con# through therbackpoint'of contact Iii of relayA becomes deenergized in response to the occupancy anism" of signal 2 is Ain its stop condition', Alamp 2E will `'.be Vlighted when Vrelay '2i-IP becomes deenergizedin response' to the occupancy of section 2Tiby a train; Accordingly, when signalo be {lighted} onlywhen a 'train Aoccupies YsectionV Y IT, but when section 2T is occupiedlamp 2E- l will be lighted regardless of whether section iT. Y is or is'not occupied. Y 1

I with au parts of the apparatus 1n' the normal Y Y deenergized and with the lamps Er extinguished, I shall assume that a ling inthe direction indicated bythe arrow enters lapproach lighting relay 2ER also will be K its backcontacts II and fini/will Whenback contact 24 is closed,

relay RHP and theV mechanisrnfor that i.

andlamp 2E to terminal IEN. The third circuitr passes from terminal 2B, 'j 40 ZHP, and lamp 2E tovterniinal 2N. 1t will Ice'seen,V Y

train 'travelL of one polarity or an- 2Q to vthe line circuit that controtis Y A in the same andjlamprlEE to terminalV Y` j chanisrn oi signal'r'r is"r in its clearor caution condition, lamp 2EY willn Vbe. lighted when approach lighting relay' '2ER t 45. o f section ITby 'a train, and that/,when the mech@V Y Y Y lamp 2E will n.502" I condition, that is, with the operating Ywindings I3k e V oigthe signals I'TR Y is deenergized, l I

Ydeengiz'ed by f current oiv normal polarity over `the previously traced Yline circuit, nism of signal 2 willbe operated' to the 'proceed position.A Signal mechanismV contact III- i5 will Vthsl'fore become closed to complete the first vof n 1 Y .'circuit's'forlamp 2E. Sig-v. nal 2, therefore,will indicate proceed toft'he:` Vapplica@.hilosTorelli-LY Y vrwhen,the tramk enters ',Selton 2T, *S09 that so thatthe mecha- Y Y coi`Y section IT, so that track relay ITB willbecomev Y Y Ydreenergized. When relay track relay2'IR becomes deenergized, the opening of front contact 22 of relay 2TH, will cut off energy from the mechanism of signal 2 and from relay ZI-IP.y Signal 2, therefore, will assume its stop condition, and lamp 2E will be lighted over the previously traced lamp circuit which includes the back point of Contact It) of relay 2I-IP.

When the train vacates section IT, so that its track relay again becomes energized, approach lighting' relay 2ER will also become energized. The circuit for operating winding I3 of signal 2 is already open at contact 22 of relay ZTR, but will now be opened also at contact 24 of relay 2ER. Operating winding I3 of signal 2, therefore, will remain deenergized until the first train leaves section 2T and until another train enters section IT.

When the first train enters section 3T, so that track relay STR becomes deenergized, the opening of its front contact 3i! will cause relay SHP to become deenergized. The deenergization of relay SHP will reverse the polarity of the current supplied to the line circuit for signal 2, so that in the event of a following train occupying section I'I, signal 2 will display the caution indication when the i'lrst train vacates section 2T. The picking up of track relay 2TR again closes the circuit for relay 2HP, so that this relay becomes energized. When relay ZHP is energized, the third circuit traced for lamp 2E will be open due to the opening of the back point of contact i' of relay 2HP. The second circuit traced for lamp 2E will then be closed on account of contact II) of relay ZHP being closed at its front point.

When the rst train leaves section 3T, so that relay 3TH again becomes energized, relay SHP will be energized, so that the line circuit for signal 2 will be energized in the normal direction. A following train entering section IT will now find signal 2 displaying the clear indication.

Referring next to Fig. 2, it will be noted that resistor 2A is connected between relay ZHP and rectifier 2Q instead of in the signal line circuit, and that signal 2 is governed by a iront contact 3! of relay 2H?. It will be readily apparent that resistor 2A causes relay ZHP to have a slow pickup characteristic, and that signal 2 will necessarily be slow to respond to the energization of its line circuit, since operating winding I 3 can not be energized until after relay 2HE has closed its front contacts. Otherwise, signal 2 and its associated apparatus functions in a manner similar to that described for the apparatus shown in Fig. l.

It will be understood that each of the signals and associated pole changing relays of a signaling system embodying my invention may be controlled in a manner similar tothat shown in Fig. 2.

Referring now to Fig. 3, the reference character 2F designates a resistor connected between the line control circuit for signal 2 and the associated rectier 2Q. A branch path is provided around resistor 2F, which path is closed when the associated approach lighting relay 2ER is deenergized. For example, when relay 2ER becornes deenergized so that its back contacts 24 and 32 become closed, operating winding I 3 becomes energized, and relay ZHP is energized through the branch path including the back point of contact 32. The value of resistor 2F is so chosen as to compensate for the dropin lvoltage due to the energization of operating winding I3. That is, relay 2HP s energized by current of a substantially constant value since, when operating winding I3 is deenergized, on account of relay 2ER being energized, so that the voltage across the line control circuit at rectifier 2Q is relatively high, resistor 2F is eiective for reducing the current received by relay 2li-IP whereas, when signal 2 and relay ZHP are both energized so that the voltage across the line circuit is relatively low, resistor 2F is rendered ineiective.

It is to be understood that each of the signals and associated relays HP of a signaling system embodying my invention may be controlled in the modified manner shown in Fig. 3. lThis modification is particularly adapted for use under conditions where the voltage of the line circuit may vary over such a wide range as to interfere with the slow acting characteristics of the pole changing relays. Furthermore, the resistors F result in a saving of energy since they prevent excessive overenergization of the relays HP While I have herein shown and described my invention as applied to stretches of railway track over which trains normally move in only one direction, it is understood that my invention may also be applied to stretches of railway track over which trains move in both directions.

From the foregoing description of several forms of apparatus embodying my inventiomit is apparent that I have provided a simple and reliable means for effecting a saving of energy in a railway signaling system. 'I'he signal mechanisms and associated lamps are normally deenergized, and are arranged to become energized only when a train is in the vicinity of such signals. Since, under normal conditions, the usual stretch of railway track is unoccupied for the greater portion of time, my invention will result in an appreciable saving in maintenance costs, particularly when the energy is supplied by primary batteries.

Although I have herein shown and described only a few forms of apparatus embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a signal for said stretch, a relay governed in accordance with trafc conditions in advance of said signal, a second relay governed in accordance with traflic conditions in the rear of said signal, a lamp for said signal, circuits for lighting said lamp controlled by said two relays, and

l a mechanism for said signal controlled by said second relay.

2. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a signal having a normally inoperative mechanism associated therewith for said stretch, contacts governed by said mechanism, a relay governed in accordance with traffic conditions in advance of said signal, a second relay governed in accordance with traffic conditions in the rear of said signal, a lamp for said signal, circuits for said lamp governed by said two relays and by said contacts, and means controlled by tralc conditions adjacent said signal and conditioned by a train approaching said signal for operating said signal mechanism.

3. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a signal for said stretch, a line circuit for reversibly'governing said signal in accordanceV with i [traffic conditions in advance ofthe signal when said signal is Vconnectedfvvith said line circuit, 'al neutral' relay rforgreversibl'y' governingv the i signal next inthe rear, a rectifier for connecting. Ysaid' neutral' relay Wirth saidfline circuit, andan /approach'relay 'for connecting said-nrst signal 1 with said Vline circuit when afltrain'isY approach- V .a signal for said-stretcl'l,A a

ing saidliirst signal.Y Y c Y Y c 4'. In combination, a stretch offrailvvay track,

" inaccordance with traffic conditionsin advance l relay arranged to be Y ofy the signal for controlling said signal when y Vsaidfsignal isconnected. to said line'` circuit, a

l to said line circuit, a normally energized approach deenergized when a train i normally energized slowpickup Yrelay connected is1approaching Vsaidsignal, and means including i' *afront contact; offsaidslow pickup relay anda "Y ,nectingf said signal Vto approach relay forg-con-y said line circuit.

V5. lncombination, a Vstretch of railway a'signal'or saidstretcha Yline circuit governed Vloaclf: ico-'ntact `Vof said f- Vin"acrzcordance ,withftrafllc Vconditions inadvance l 25Jr of ,said signal forrcontrolling said signal'when said signal is connected ton saidgline'circuit, a re# lay :for governing the signal Vnext inlthe ;rear,

"means'including a current'limiting resistor for'4 connecting saidY relay 30 V4second.l relay for connecting saidrrstcsgnal with gio Virst signal, andmeans Y said second relayforrenderingsaidresistor inwithfsaid line circuit, a

said'vline circuit when a'train isapproaching the V'eilective-,Wlcer'i said first signal iis connected to saidline circuit thereby. maintaining Ythe current VilovvvY through said rstmentionedrelay at aVY sub-1l 1: `stantiallyj constantV Vvalue `even `though rthefyolti Y, age across said line circuitfldecre'ases dueto the currentYs'uppliedtosaid l 6. In combination,a stretch of railwayjtrack, a Ysignal for-said,stretchQaline circuit: governed in accordancewith'trafc conditions inA advance of;V said v signal ,said Signal is rstfsignal. 1

for jcontrolling said Vsignal when j' alliages; y y

VYin the rear of said rst lineV circuit governed Y with said relay With track,Y

- mechanism Yoperable including a Vcontact ofA i a signal fcrgsaid stretch,

r connected to said line circuit,a relay connected with said line circuit for governing the supply ofr current toa second signal next necting said rst signal with said line circuit when a train is approaching the first signal, 'and means including a resistor and controlled by Y if Y traic conditions in the rear ofY said rst' signal signal, meansYV for con?V for maintaining thecurrent supplied to said relay f at a substantially constant value regardless of whether said first signal is connected to or dis-n' y' connectedfrom said line circuit.V

-7. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a signal comprising a mechanism and a lamp for relay, a resistor, aY circuit includingY saidrresistor and controlledrby traic conditions adjacentosaid signal for energizing said mechanism in multiple slow infpicking up, a

pliedtovrsaid relay lease Whenthe circuit is subsequently opened, and circuits controlled Y Vmechanism for lighting' said Vlamp.`

V8. lIn combination, arstr'etch of railvvay track; a signal for'governing vtraffic movements into saidrv stretch comprising a lamp and'also comprising ai l to the V,proceed orv caution condition by current of normalor reversepolarlty;VY a rectifier, a circuitV con-"ff respectively, aA relay,

trolled by trahie conditions'adjacent said signal lsaid mechanism in multiple WirthV saidr rectifier and relay hycurrent of normal and reverse polar.;V

ities, and means controlled by saidY relay and by Y said mechanismiorrlighting said lamp.

9. Inrcombination, a stretch of railway a relay,n a line circuit controlled 'by` traflic Vconditions,adjacent saidY signal for venergizing said relay', fand-jrneaznsVV inorY said relayV `for ener-y Y Vcluding a front contact gizing said signal from said line circuitin multi#` ple with said relay to directtraic movements in said stretch. Y y f Y c l c' j CHALMERS W. GILBERT.

'so' Y :for energizlngsaid relay throughY said rectifier byrrcurrent ci?V a given polarity and for energizingY track; 

